Iodine Recordings to Release 20th Anniversary Edition of Audio Karate's "Lady Melody"

Iodine Recordings is proud to present the 20th anniversary edition of AUDIO KARATE's landmark LADY MELODY on limited colored vinyl.

This deluxe edition of the classic California punk record has been completely remastered for vinyl by Jason Livermore at Blasting Room Studios and includes all new artwork and a retrospective by the band and Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL).

Get it here.

Listen to "Jesus Is Alive and Well (And Living in Mexico)" Below.

In 2001, four Mexican American kids from the suburbs of East L.A. came together to form Audio Karate, their unique mix of melodic, emotional punk rock made it difficult to place them in any one genre but it also garnered a legion of fans. Their knack for writing infectiously catchy songs with deeply personal lyrics caught the attention of Kung Fu Records, who signed them in 2001 alongside bands like Blink-182 and Tsunami Bomb.

Audio Karate spent the early 2000s touring heavily and sharing stages with bands like NOFX, The Ataris, and Face to Face, among many Vans Warped Tour appearances. Their first studio album Space Camp was met with much acclaim from critics and fans and featured frequently on MTV and Fuse TV. 

Their follow up album Lady Melody was produced by Bill Stevenson of The Descendents and straddled pop-punk convention and technical oddity, with unique key changes and riffs that seemed to sound "wrong," while sounding gloriously right. Even Stevenson wondered how they did it, marveling at times during their recording sessions: "Technically, this shouldn't work."

Stevenson says, "Lady Melody will always mark a special point in time for me. We had so much fun together during the pre-production, and then during the recording! I love this band so much, and it has been such a great pleasure getting to know each of them. 'Jesus Is Alive and Well (And Living in Mexico)' is one of my favorite songs to have ever produced."

Corey Kent Teams with Lauren Alaina for Latest Release "Now or Never"

Sony Music Nashville artist Corey Kent has spent more than 15 years cutting his own path through a tangled wilderness of stumbles and setbacks … and never once come close to waving a white flag. The result…he is about to release his sophomore album, Black Bandana, Sept. 6, 2024 and will kick off his headlining Black Bandana Tour on Sept. 21. The platinum-selling Kent has given fans another taste of the upcoming  project today with the release of “Now or Never” featuring Lauren Alaina. Listen to “ Now or Never” Below and pre-save Black Bandana HERE. 
 
"'Now or Never' is a song about drawing a line in the sand for yourself,” shared Kent. “It’s about loving somebody but refusing to let them continue to hurt you by taking a stand and asking your partner to make up their mind... 'You either love me or you don’t.’"
 
“I am so excited to be a part of this song with Corey,” said Alaina. “I think the message is super powerful. It’s okay to love someone and take a stand for yourself when needed. I am honored Corey asked me to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see where the song takes us.” 
 
Written by Sam Ellis, Ryan Hurd and Geoff Warburton and produced by Chris Farren, “Now or Never” finds Kent channeling the ’80s-rock anthems that helped give his childhood a soundtrack turning it into an orchestral-rock power ballad... and a duet of epic emotional proportions. Featuring the crystalline vocal counterpoint of Lauren Alaina, a pair of lovers resolve to give their volatile connection a final ultimatum –make it work now, or break it off entirely.

A Bixby, Oklahoma native now based in Dallas, the proud husband and father has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Platinum certified Number One hit maker with 940 million career streams, and a black bandana on his neck. But today, that Black Bandana is more than an accessory – and not just the name of his sophomore major-label album. It’s his rally cry.
 
“It started from riding motorcycles and wanting something over your face so you didn’t swallow a bug,” the singer-songwriter says. “But then it turned into a staple I wear on stage, and then a symbol of the path through my career, and life. Through all the ups and downs, the one constant thing was this relentless hope – this relentless pursuit of believing that if I don’t give up, I can get where I’m going.”
 
With a self-built story that has seen success and disaster, keeping that belief wasn’t always easy – but it’s been paying off. Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits. Honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River became his stomping ground, and slowly but surely, the black bandana spirit grew.
 
Fast forward a few years and the hit single “Wild As Her” proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent’s career as a Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. And while momentum kept building, with Kent hitting the road alongside Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum and more, the mainstream moved to claim they knew it all along. Next-big-thing accolades came in from CMT, Opry Next Stage and more, but even as Kent became the most played new artist on country radio for all of 2023, he kept the underdog, who-cares-about-conventional-wisdom mentality. And so did his fans.
 
For Kent, the point was that his fans have the same independent spirit he does, and he took that lesson into his next chapter. Settled into his ranch in Texas and intent on being fully present as husband and father, while also achieving his dreams, his second album is all about finding balance, keeping clear eyes on what’s important – and waving that Black Bandana for all to see.
  
Co-writing six of Black Bandana’s 10 songs, what Kent ultimately wanted was to mix themes of integrity, resilience and family with a sonic setting befitting the mission. Finding the midway point between cinematic electric guitars and heart-pounding drums meet a warm, gravel-road rasp, as Kent brings classic rock into the present tense. 
  
“We all face our own demons. We all face our own setbacks, and I hope this record serves as encouragement,” he says. “It would be really easy to lean on the past and go ‘Look at what I’ve done,’ but I’m still excited about the records I’ve yet to create. I’m excited about the shows I haven’t played yet. I’m excited about unlocking new levels of my craft, and writing more songs that people connect with deeply. …I still live for those moments.”

Kent is also connecting with friends on the road in his new podcast “Bus Call.” The podcast finds Kent chatting with everyone from country music star Bailey Zimmerman to 2023 Doak Walker Award winner, OSU Running Back Ollie Gordon. The Texas Troubadour and his guests share laughs, inspirational moments and talk through the ups and downs of both business and personal life. Listen to the first two episodes of season one now and stay tuned for a new episode each month. 
 
The Oklahoma native will be joined by Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Max McNown, Karley Scott Collins and Lauren Watkins on select dates for his headlining, international Black Bandana Tour, which kick-offs in Paso Robles California on Sept. 21. The road warrior will trek across both the U.S. and U.K. with stops in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Dublin, London and more into early 2025. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase at coreykentofficial.com.
 
Black Bandana Tour Dates:
+9/21/24 Paso Robles, CA     BarrelHouse Brewing Co. - Brewery and Beer Gardens
*9/22/24 Long Beach, CA  Boots In The Park
^9/26/24 Reedley, CA   The Wakehouse
^9/27/24 Bakersfield, CA  Buck Owens Crystal Palace
*9/28/24 Tempe, AZ   Boots In The Park
<10/3/24 Hays, KS   Fox Theatre
10/4/24 Durant, OK   Choctaw Grand Theater (with Pat Green)
*10/5/24 Burkburnett, TX  Friendship Festival
#10/10/24 Little Rock, AR  Little Rock Hall
*10/11/24 Bellville, TX   Austin County Fair
#10/12/24 Terrell, TX   Silver Saloon
-10/16/24 New York, NY  Gramercy Theatre
-10/17/24 Sayreville, NJ   Starland Ballroom
-10/18/24 Uncasville, CT  Mohegan Sun – Wolf Den
-10/19/24 Boston, MA   Paradise Rock Club
<10/24/24 Cincinnati, OH  Bogart’s
<10/25/24 West Lafayette, IN  Neon Cactus
<10/26/24 Rootstown, OH  Dusty Armadillo
^11/1/24 Milwaukee, WI  The Rave II
#11/8/24 Wichita, KS   The Cotillion Ballroom
#11/9/24 Stillwater, OK   Tumbleweed Dance Hall
-11/21/24 Atlanta, GA   Buckhead Theatre
-11/22/24 Charlotte, NC   Coyote Joe’s
-11/23/24 North Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
 
International Dates
2/1/25  Dublin, IE   The Academy (Green Room)
2/2/25  Belfast, NI   The Limelight 1
2/4/25  Glasgow, UK   SWG3 TV Studio
2/7/25  Manchester, UK  Manchester Academy 2
2/8/25  Birmingham, UK  O2 Academy 2
2/9/25  Bristol, UK   The Trinity Centre
2/11/25 London, UK   Electric Ballroom
 
*Previously Announce Fair and Festival Dates
^Braxton Keith
< Kaitlin Butts
-Max McNown
+Karley Scott Collins
#Lauren Watkins
 
Follow @coreykent on X, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT LAUREN ALAINA
Grand Ole Opry member and Big Loud Records powerhouse Lauren Alaina is unlocking a new era with her debut EP on the label out now. The six-song set fittingly titled Unlocked reintroduces the multi-faceted star, stripping back every layer and allowing fans to know her more than ever before. Alaina has earned three chart-topping hits: RIAA Platinum-certified “Road Less Traveled,” 8x Platinum “What Ifs” with her childhood friend Kane Brown, and 3x Platinum “ONE BEER” with labelmate HARDY + Devin Dawson. The Georgia-born force, who American Songwriter notes is “on a seemingly limitless upward trajectory,” has shared the stage with Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, and more. She’s headlined two raved-about tours, the sold-out That Girl Was Me Tour and bar-raising On Top Of The World Tour Presented by Maurices. The gold-medal vocalist has performed on some of the highest-profile stages in the world including PBS’ A Capitol Fourth, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, CBS’ Beyond The Edge, ABC’s The Bachelorette, TODAY, Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, ABC's CMA Fest specials, CMA and ACM Awards, Nickelodeon's All That, Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day halftime performance, MLB's World Series national anthem performance, a performance at the White House for President Obama, and more.

Extinction A.D. 'To The Detested' | Drop Music Video For New Track "Burnt Sienna"

Extinction A.D., New York's relentless purveyors of ferocious hardcore tinged thrash metal, have released their brand new album, 'To The Detested' today via Unique Leader Records. Unwavering in its brutality and pulling no punches from a lyrical perspective. The band's fourth studio album sees the band continue to expand and evolve their sound and embrace new influences. This evolution is most apparent on today's focus track, 'Burnt Sienna', crafted in homage to frontman, Rick Jimenez' Puerto Rican heritage, incorporating elements of Bomba and hearing Rick sing in Spanish for the first time on an Extinction A.D. track. Rick's vulnerable experiences that shaped the song and the band's journey to creating the song have been captured in a mini-documentary, that will premiere on Monday, August 19th HERE.

Watch the official music video for 'Burnt Sienna' Below.

Listen to 'To The Detested' on your streaming platform of choice HERE.

Speaking on "Burnt Sienna", Rick Jimenez shares

"This entire song was a crazy journey from start to finish. From conception of incorporating Bomba into our typical metal style, to singing in Spanish, to diving into the "personal turmoil turned pride in exploration” of my Puerto Rican heritage and my upbringing in an unwelcoming environment, to putting together the exposition video doc of the creation of the song, to choosing this as a single. It’s a lot of personal exposition and being raw about my own individual experiences and evolution as I grow older in this world while simultaneously coming to terms with some things and discovering others." 

Speaking on the release of the album today, Jimenez continues

"This album took on a life of its own very quickly and is by far the freshest one of our career. There was no second guessing or laboring over anything, it was pure unbridled energy from the first note of the first song we wrote to the final sound we recorded. We’ve never pulled any punches musically or lyrically but this is a whole new level of intensity, vitriol and honesty. It is not for the thin-skinned or the weak hearted. This record is in fact our declaration to the detested."

To celebrate the release of 'To The Detested', Extinction A.D. will be hitting the stage on the Detested America 2024 tour kicking off at the end of this month, with Assault as support. Be sure to get your tickets from your local venue before they're all gone, and stay tuned for more Extinction A.D. news coming soon.

Detested America 2024 Tour Dates

8/30 - Providence, RI @ Alchemy*

8/31 - Montague, MA @ RPM Fest*

9/1 - Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar

9/2 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop

9/3 - Indianapolis, IN @ Healer

9/4 - Chicago, IL @ Reggies

9/5 - Cave Rock, IL @ Full Terror Assault*

9/6 - Evansville, IN @ Damsels

9/7 - New Kensington, PA @ Preserving Underground

9/8 - Amityville, NY @ AMH

*Extinction A.D. only

ABOUT EXTINCTION A.D.

Extinction A.D. is not for the faint of heart and the intensity of these New Yorkers has yet to be tempered. The bands signature level of ferocity has reached new levels on their fourth album ‘To The Detested’, which follows their EP ‘Ruthless Intent’ from earlier this year.

So many different worlds shaped this band; from writers like Alan Moore and George Orwell; lyricists like Wreak Havoc and Chuck D; to directors like Tarantino and John Carpenter. But musically, Extinction A.D. hook up a tube of early 90s era of metal into their veins. Not just bands like Pantera and Machine Head, but the often overlooked 90s offerings from Testament, Sepultura and Slayer.

Thrashing just as hard as their predecessors, the band also break their surroundings down and deliver some heavy as hell riotous mosh; hitting that all-important sweet spot mixture of 80s thrash, 90s extreme metal and New York hardcore, all encompassed into one.

Never afraid to speak their minds amidst a divisive world, Extinction A.D. bring a decisive power to match their frenetic energy. The endgame is not just rebellion but revolution.

One Outta Ten Release Emotional New Record "Better Days" & New Nostalgic Video

Los Angeles, CA – Emerging indie rock band, One Outta Ten, are thrilled to announce the release of their deeply personal record, "Better Days", available now on all major streaming platforms. A cathartic exploration of grief and the healing process, each track on the record offers a blend of indie rock/pop, pop punk, and bedroom pop, with sprinkles of folk and lo-fi elements, showcasing the band's versatility and growth. Fans can listen to the full album HERE.

Alongside the brand new album, One Outta Ten have unveiled a moving music video for the title track, which poignantly captures the essence of the record. The video for the title track, "Better Days," is an emotional tribute that depicts the road trip that frontman Josh and drummer David would have taken with their father before his untimely passing. The brand new video features stunning landscapes and intimate home video moments, reflecting the bond between father and sons and the journey through sorrow to acceptance.

Speaking on today's release, frontman Josh de Leon shares:

"It's hard to process how tough this past year has been for the band. All five members of the band have experienced loss this year, the type of loss that shapes who you are going forward. Making "Better Days" was cathartic, but necessary. Dave and I lost our father, and the world hasn't been the same since. Luckily, we are surrounded by people who love and understand what we are going through. I've experienced so much love from people in the past year. I just wish my dad was there to see it. Making these songs is my way of saying I'm still alive, and we're doing fine. We won't let the loss stop us, and Dave and I will keep making music in our father's memory. This album is dedicated from our band to Sylvia, Marilyn, Rascal, and Kahlua, but from me and Dave, this album is for our dad Ray. I miss you so much. Hope you've got a beer in your hand and you're relaxing on a beautiful beach."

With their junior release, One Outta Ten continue to meld their heartfelt lyrics and exuberant melodies to further their reputation as one of the most promising indie bands at the moment. Fueled by the passion and raw emotion that characterize their music, the band’s forthcoming album, "Better Days," promises to deliver a heartfelt mix of powerful anthems and introspective ballads.

While seamlessly blending indie rock/pop with pop punk, "Better Days" delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the journey to find one’s path in life. Sprinkling in the elements of folk and bedroom pop throughout the album as well, One Outta Ten explore the complexities of grief with their poignant lyrics, all while actively healing from the loss of a loved one. Serving as a testament to the band’s resilience, this upcoming record stands to showcase their growth - both musically and personally.

Stay tuned for more One Outta Ten news coming soon.

Southern California fans also have the chance to see One Outta Ten at the Smell on Saturday, August 31st for an epic album release show.

One Outta Ten will be sharing the stage with fellow California based bands, The Offtrax and Lazy Susan.

Fans can purchase tickets in advance HERE.

Don't miss your chance to celebrate their album release with the band later this month!

ABOUT ONE OUTTA TEN

Hailing from Los Angeles, One Outta Ten is an indie rock band that effortlessly captures the triumphs and turmoils of growing up. With a raw live energy and a keen ear for infectious melodies, this five-piece outfit weaves together anthemic hooks and relatable lyrics with frenetic instrumentation. From unruly smog-dripping surf rock riffs to earworm refrains, the music of One Outta Ten is an invitation to both revel in the chaos and find comfort in the shared human experience. One Outta Ten is ready to become the soundtrack to your coming-of-age movie, equal parts turbulent and beautiful. Buckle up for the ride.

Candy Hearts To Release "You Could Be Anyone (Rarities 2010-2016) + Share "Anything"

Candy Hearts were a New Jersey-based pop punk band formed at the tail end of the '00s and fronted by singer-songwriter Mariel Loveland. Best described as empathetic tragedies channeled through '90s alternative-soaked pop-rock, Candy Hearts did downtrodden and heavily introspective sentiments with bubbly, hook-filled inclinations like no other. 

Their sophomore LP All The Ways You Let Me Down was produced by Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) and ranked by Billboard as one of the best pop albums of 2014.

Although they toured with pop punk heavyweights like Set It Off, Real Friends, and The Story So Far, as well as some stints on Vans Warped Tour, Candy Hearts have always aimed for "Taylor Swift meets The Breeders."

You Could Be Anyone (Rarities 2010-2016) is a collection of B-sides and rarities from 2010-2016, marking the 10-year anniversary of All The Ways You Let Me Down. Mastered By Jack Shirley at The Atomic Garden, You Could Be Anyone is limited to 100 cassettes in purple tint. It will be available digitally, as well. Get it here.

The band has shared the lyric video for the dreamy track "Anything." Watch it below.

"Unrequited love is a true classic. It's on the Greatest Hits of human experiences," the band says. "'Anything' explores that through the lens of your first real crush. It's that all-consuming feeling where you know you're young, you know your whole life is ahead of you, you know there's so much you haven't experienced, but the only thing you want is to be liked by the one person who won't give you the time of day. It's definitely a song for anyone who grew up in the suburbs and spent teenage nights loitering in the diner."

 Although a decade has passed, the message is still as clear and honest as possible to both fans and themselves. "I've always wanted this band to be completely true to ourselves," Loveland says, "That's just what our band has always been about."

Candy Hearts will be reuniting for the 10th anniversary of their album All The Ways You Let Me Down at Fest 22 in Gainesville this October.

HAMMERFALL - new album 'Avenge The Fallen' out NOW !

Get ready to feel the thunder! HAMMERFALL is back with their electrifying new album Avenge The Fallen, which is released today via Nuclear Blast Records worldwide.

The music from the album was recorded in Sweden by HAMMERFALL guitarist Pontus and mixed by Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman, once again co creating a true and genuine HAMMERFALL sound that the fans have come to love, while the vocals this time were recorded in L.A. together with producer Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, COREY TAYLOR, AMON AMARTH, STEEL PANTHER etc).

Avenge The Fallen promises to be one of HAMMERFALL's most ambitious and powerful albums to date, building on their legacy while pushing their sound to new heights. Fans can expect more anthems, more epic moments, and the uncompromising metal spirit that HAMMERFALL is known for.

Dropping alongside the epic title track as a single, this powerhouse release is accompanied by a jaw-dropping music video that will leave you breathless. The track 'Avenge The Fallen' is a powerful anthem, kicking off with a deep, heroic choir that resonates like a warrior's cry. Brace yourself for soaring vocals, crushing riffs, and anthemic melodies that only HAMMERFALL can deliver.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

STREAM THE ALBUM ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://hammerfall.bfan.link/avenge-the-fallen.ema

Line-up:
Joacim Cans - vocals
Oscar Dronjak - guitar
Fredrik Larsson  - bass
Pontus Norgen - guitar
David Wallin – drums

HOMEPAGE: LINK
FACEBOOK: LINK
INSTAGRAM: LINK
TWITTER: N/A

IN APHELION Shares Grim Music Video for New Single, "Fields in Nadir," New Album 'Reaperdawn' Out NOW

A new force is awakening, stretching the boundaries of consciousness, and devouring everything in its path. IN APHELION is now ushering in their sophomore album, 'Reaperdawn,' which is out today, August 9, 2024, via Century Media Records. The black metal brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Ramstedt (best known as guitarist and songwriter with Necrophobic) is now unleashing the final single from the offering, "Fields of Nadir," along with a grim music video. The clip was directed and filmed by Ramstedt himself and can be found below.

Ramstedt explains, “It takes the viewer away from the comforting light. In order to put the viewer in the same state as me when I wrote the song it was necessary to break some rules. In nadir everything that is beautiful turns ugly. The warmer skin tone during the performance parts symbolizes this side of death. The cold colour of the outside is purgatory. The out of focus singing with the candles symbolizes death and the other side. The video is chaotically blending visions of the past the present and the future. It's cut with a dreamlike logic in mind.”

Darker, stranger, more epic and progressive than admirers of his work were expecting, this new outlet for enigmatic and artistic expression emerged firmly tethered to the white-knuckle viciousness of benchmark, Northern European black metal, while also exhibiting a profound affiliation with both classic, traditional heavy metal and the black magic of psychedelic repetition. Based around a core line-up of Ramstedt (guitar/vocals), drummer Marco Prij (also Cryptosis), rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck (Necrophobic) and bassist Tobias Cristiansson (Necrophobic, ex-Grave…), IN APHELION have taken the uncompromising DIY route to their current status as new Century Media signees.

The atmosphere of 'Reaperdawn' is a swirling maelstrom of obsidian sparkle and iridescent grime.

“Reaperdawn” is now available for in standard CD jewelcase, gatefold black LP, and a limited Gatefold bloodred LP (red Vinyl), 300x via cmdistro.de and other retailers. Physical copies can be found HERE.

The album artwork for 'Reaperdawn' was created by Sebastian Ramstedt

Lineup:

Johan Bergebäck - guitars

Tobias Cristiansson - bass

Marco Prij - drums

Sebastian Ramstedt - vocals, guitars

Mixing & Mastering: Tore Stjerna

Cover Art: Sebastian Ramstedt

Bio: Dom Lawson

Photos: Leo Bergebaeck

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ROCKERS PUMP5 TEAM UP WITH DEKO ENTERTAINMENT TO ISSUE FULL SERVICE AND PARADISE PLACE TO CONICIDE WITH UPCOMING US AND JAPAN TOUR

PUMP5 is a touring rock band hailing from southern California that has kept its wheels turning for the last 10 years. PUMP5 is comprised of respected talent such as Alex Kane (Shark Island, Enuff Z’nuff, Starz, etc….) on guitar, Andre Bonter on drums, Andrew Cates on the bass and Steven Todd Barnett on guitar and vocals. PUMP5, has been touring the lower 48 and Canada, and
has no plans of slowing down.

PUMP5 has found its place in American rock, and represents the brand with a high energy, in-your face live show. Full Service was independently released in 2019 and led to touring alongside the likes of Bullet Boys, Great White, L.A. Guns, Puddle Of Mudd and Enuff Z'Nuff. It boasted stand out tracks “Flight Song”, “Painted Flowers”, and “Pills”.

Watch “Painted Flowers” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-MSVYXlPAk

PUMP5 reconvened to record its next full-length release in Fall 2022 with Dennis Hill on production duties and Mike Troolines (Los Lobos, Ignite, Righteous Brothers) on mixing and mastering duties, the end-result of this collaboration is Paradise Place. It was independently released in 2023 and boasted stand out tracks “Hello," “Make Me," and “Circus."

Watch “Hello” below:

Both are now being issued worldwide through Deko Entertainment and critics and fans are taking notice.

“The entire group shines with exceptional musicianship, brilliant ideas, impressive creativity, and talent. All these qualities shape their catchy, familiar, but entirely unique sound that will satisfy even the pickiest fans of the genre.” - Thoughts Words Action

“Full Service is a very good work for those addicted to rock n’ roll." - Metal-Temple.com

“So. Cal Pump5 hit the stage running and rocked!’’ - Musicmattersmagazine.com

Get your copies of both on CD and LP here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/pump5

For more information, visit
https://www.mattmitchellmusic.com/
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

Trashcan Sinatras' John Douglas presents 'Oranges & Apples', announces North American tour in support of debut album

Acclaimed Scottish troubadour John Douglas, whose songwriting and artistry have been integral to the enduring legacy of Trashcan Sinatras, presents an intimate video for Trashcans classic 'Oranges & Apples'. This is one of 11 tracks on his eponymous debut album, released via Reveal Records.

It's been a fine year for Douglas, including a UK headlining tour, UK Top-40 charting of Trashcan Sinatras' reissued debut album 'Cake' (33 years since its original release), and a new Trashcan Sinatras documentary, produced by award-winning Irish journalist Ken Sweeney. Tracing their 35-year story, it features first-hand accounts from band members, explores dramatic moments in their history, and includes acoustic performances by Douglas of some of the Trashcans' most-loved songs.

Now Douglas announces his 'Lost in North America Tour - Part One', taking his craft on the road throughout October.

"I am so excited to be coming to the USA and Canada this year to debut my solo shows. It’s me, my guitar and many songs..  some new and some old with a new lick of paint. I will get lost in song and story and look forward to conjuring up the good stuff in North America," says John Douglas.

One of Scotland’s finest songwriters, Douglas will be joined for his West coast and Midwest dates by Lily Vakili of Vakili Band, a savvy street poet who finds the sweet spot between Patti Smith, Grace Slick and Janis Joplin. For East coast dates, he will be joined by singer-songwriter Lauren Calve, whose new album 'Shift' earned her the 2024 Wammie Award for Best Country/Americana Album.  Together, these artists will treat listeners to an intimate series of masterclasses in musical storytelling.

Part of the 'Me & Midnight Sessions', 'Oranges & Apples' follows the first acoustic video filmed in Hyndland, Glasgow - 'I Just Want To Go Home'.  Earlier, Douglas shared videos for album tracks 'Lost', 'I'm Not The Fella' and 'Always', plus Trashcans classics 'Leave Me Alone' and 'Weightlifting'.

John Douglas shares, "'Oranges & Apples is a song very close to my heart. It’s a love song to a fellow artist… the late Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd. He ploughed his own furrow and showed all who followed how to be your eccentric, individual, glorious self. Stay true to you. Paint, sing, write, sculpt, carve, dance your own way through this playground. Hang on to your wonder at this world. Syd did. He’s away now… gone, but resonating on. As the song says.. now everything is enhanced by him".

His debut album presents an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated songsmith, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow with renowned producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion). Reflecting Douglas' candor, this 11-track collection features original material and new recordings of fave Trashcan Sinatras' material, plus his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’.

Apart from touring with his partner Eddi Reader’s band, the past few years have seen Douglas perform around the UK and Ireland, sometimes joined by friends like Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson, Withered Hand, James Grant (Love & Money), and even Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), with whom he first toured in 1990 for the Trashcan Sinatras / Prefab Sprout double bill.

John Douglas' debut album is available on CD and digitally via Bandcamp, as well as from fine online platforms. US fans are also in luck as he'll be on his first headline tour in October.

TOUR DATES
October 1   LOS ANGELES - Hotel Cafe  *
October 2   SAN FRANCISCO - The Lost Church  *
October 4   PORTLAND - Mission Theater  *
October 5   SEATTLE - Ballard Homestead, Fremont Abbey  *
October 7   SALT LAKE CITY - The Beehive  *
October 8    DENVER - Mercury Cafe, Jungle Room  *
October 10  KANSAS CITY - Knuckleheads  *
October 11   MINNEAPOLIS - Icehouse MPLS  *
October 15   TORONTO - The Monarch  **
October 16   CLEVELAND - Beachland Tavern  **
October 17   COLUMBUS - Natalie's Grandview  **
October 19   BOSTON - City Winery Boston  **
October 20   NEW YORK - Cafe Wha?  **
October 21   PHILADELPHIA - City Winery Loft  **

* with Lily Vakili of Vakili Band
** with Lauren Calve

Artist photography by Stephanie Gibson
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR


Keep up with John Douglas 
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BLIND GUARDIAN - Release Video For 'The Bard's Tale (In The Forest) (Revisited)' + Album "Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited' Out Now!

Right on time with their show at 2024’s edition of Wacken Open Air , German heavy metal legends BLIND GUARDIAN proudly present Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited  which includes a complete re-recording of this classic as well as a live celebration of 1992’s Somewhere Far Beyond, a landmark record in the history of the band.

Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited, which was recorded in 2022 and 2023, is a refreshing and powerful tribute to one of the most influential albums in German metal history. It paved the way for BLIND GUARDIAN’s international career that is still going strong today and this re-recording impresses with all the class and quality these pioneers have been known and respected for since forming as Lucifer’s Heritage three decades ago.

Scroll down to watch a live video for the revisited version of their most popular track 'The Bard's Song - In The Forest' (50M+ streams)!

Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited is out today and can be listened to in full at any streaming service or purchased in physical form via the link below.
                   
PURCHASE / LISTEN TO SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND REVISITED
https://blindguardian.bfan.link/SomewhereFarBeyond-Revisited

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR 'THE BARD'S TALE (IN THE FOREST) (REVISITED)' Below:

AVAILABLE FORMATS

The album is being released as Limited Edition 3 Disc Digipak which contains an additional 2022 live version of the entire album on a separate CD and a Blu-Ray disc with the anniversary sets at Rock Hard Festival and Hellfest 2022.

Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited is also available as Gatefold LP with a 24-page LP booklet and as jewelcase CD as well as a digital album.

PURCHASE SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND REVISITED HERE:
https://blindguardian.bfan.link/SomewhereFarBeyond-Revisited

ABOUT SOMEWHERE FAR BEYOND REVISITED

Right on time with their show at 2024’s edition of Wacken Open Air, BLIND GUARDIAN release of Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited, which includes a complete re-recording of this classic as well as a live celebration of 1992’s Somewhere Far Beyond, a landmark record for Germany’s heavy metal titans. After three albums on No Remorse Records, it was the band’s major label debut via Virgin Records and opened the doors to the Japanese market resulting in a wider availability and presence on the global metal scene. After finding the right balance of speed, heaviness, melodies, drama, and irresistible choruses on 1990’s Tales From The Twilight World, Somewhere Far Beyond honed this approach to perfection, evolving further on a conceptual level and increasing BLIND GUARDIAN’s sonic range. On Somewhere Far Beyond the band experimented with keyboards, orchestrations, and folk elements, the latter manifesting in the group’s best-known song and live staple, ‘The Bard's Song (In The Forest)’, whereas other tracks like ‘Ashes to Ashes’, the rapid ‘Journey Through The Dark’ or ‘The Quest For Tanelorn’ connected well with previous mostly fast-paced albums yet offered an additional push in dynamics.

Fast forward 30 years! Before releasing the much-lauded opus The God Machine in September 2022, BLIND GUARDIAN had been performing Somewhere Far Beyond in its entirety at Rock Hard Festival and Hellfest in the Summer of 2022 in front of tens of thousands of fans singing along to each track. Both shows were filmed and recorded professionally and aired via WDR and ARTE. For the limited triple-disc-edition of Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited, the Hellfest material was newly edited by the band’s long-time videographer Dirk Behlau using additional multi-cam footage. The idea of re-recording the album originated from the rehearsals for these shows as Hansi Kürsch explains in the detailed liner notes: “The original idea wasn’t to do a re-recording. When rehearsing for the anniversary gigs, the coronavirus hit and we couldn’t be certain that those shows would take place. We still wanted to celebrate the anniversary of the album and if we wouldn’t be able to include a live version, we initially thought we could at least record the rehearsals.” Not 100% satisfied with those rough versions, BLIND GUARDIAN decided to go all in, knowing the risk of being frowned upon by fans who consider re-recordings utter blasphemy. “We tried to recapture what we did in 1992 but compensate youth with skillful experience, though in a hungry way. We never discussed any major changes but with over 30 years of experience, and our current line-up, those ingredients already add a new flavor to it.” With the basic tracks recorded in a live setting, Somewhere Far Beyond Revisited is leaner and more focused on impact in terms of guitar arrangements yet retains all the harmonies and melodies essential to the original. “We finally ended up with this cool hybrid version”, André adds. “We combined how we play the songs today, but at the same time, really tried to retain that speed metal spirit of the early 90s!”

She Was the Carnation and the Rose Release New Album 'The Guardian Angel' Out Now!

Emerging band She Was the Carnation and the Rose is excited to announce the release of their debut single, "Birds Before Rain," from their debut album, The Guardian Angel, that released today, August 2, 2024. The music and lyrics for the entire album were crafted by Michael Seebold, who also took on the role of producer. The recording, mixing, and mastering were expertly handled by Dick Hodgin at Osceola Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina.

"'Birds Before Rain' is the first single and the first song written specifically for the album. It marks the commencement of our project and evokes moods of gray weather, somewhere between Opeth's Damnation and Tristania's World of Glass," says Michael Seebold.

WATCH "Birds Before Rain" (Music Visualizer) Below:

Also today, the band released the music visualizer for "Limits of the Wraithlamp District".

WATCH "Limits of the Wraithlamp District " (Music Visualizer):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2iDv4OuypE

Formed during the late rainy months of 2023, She Was the Carnation and the Rose is comprised of singer Noémi Sárog, songwriter Michael Seebold, and drummer Bill Eagen.

Their debut album, The Guardian Angel, features five original songs that create a range of atmospheres from wintry to melancholic to serene. This album is also the first installment in the band's planned trilogy, known as the "stained glass" trilogy. Across these albums, listeners can expect a blend of dreamlike atmospheres, mellifluent and dark passages, and the occasional jazz nocturne or classical minuet.

She Was the Carnation and the Rose:

Noémi Sárog - Vocals

Michael Seebold - Guitars/Keys

Bill Eagen - Drums/Percussion

For More Information Please Visit:

https://www.shewasthecarnationandtherose.com/

A Night In Texas Releases New Album 'Digital Apocalypse' + "Mechanized Genocide" feat. Dane Evans of To The Grave Visualizer via Unique Leader Records

A Night In Texas has dropped their new album 'Digital Apocalypse' via Unique Leader Records and a new visualizer for track "Mechanized Genocide" featuring Dane Evans of To The Grave. Leading up to today, the band has shared "Apex Of Agony", "Welcome To The Gulag", and their latest banger, "Death Protocol". Speaking about the album, the band shares:

“'Digital Apocalypse' is the FINAL form of A Night In Texas. This release represents the culmination of a tumultuous and challenging creativity endeavor for the band over the last 2 years.

In essence, 'Digital Apocalypse' paints the picture of a grim and pragmatic society that has pigeonholed itself into a redundant and counterproductive existence. This record explores themes related to the complacent struggle between efficiency and self-sabotage, the enslavement of mankind by artificial intelligence and the potential malevolence lurking in our not-too-distant future.“

'Digital Apocalypse' is available now on all streaming platforms at the link here, and be sure to watch the "Mechanized Genocide" visualizer below.

BLACK SMOKE TRIGGER Release Debut Album; Drop New Single "Phantom Pain"

Black Smoke Trigger, the rising rock sensation from New Zealand, have today officially unveiled their latest record, "Horizons", alongside a new reverbant single, "Phantom Pain". Stream the brand new record HERE and watch the "Phantom Pain" music video below.

"Horizons" marks yet another groundbreaking moment in their career, showcasing Black Smoke Trigger's unique blend of hard-hitting riffs, anthemic choruses, and vivid emotional depth. With their latest single, "Phantom Pain" finds the band performing to a massive crowd, highlighting their electrifying energy and stage presence that have become their signature.

Speaking on today’s release, Charlie Wallace, guitarist of Black Smoke Trigger shares

"‘We are stoked to finally release 'Horizons' to the world. We poured our hearts & souls into this record. We've had fans who have waiting a long time and new fans who have just discovered us so it's an exciting time. The journey we went through to make this album was crazy, trips back and forth to the US, getting stuck in Mexico, producer Nick (Raskulinecz) traveling to New Zealand to finish the record turning my whole house into a studio... It was a wild ride and some of the best times of our lives. A couple of us went through personal struggles of losing parents during the process, which inspired the last track 'Promise', and everyone made big sacrifices to make this record a reality. We are very proud of this record, it's our best work yet!"

Black Smoke Trigger continues to ride the high of their dynamic rock, anchored by the distinctive guitar work of Wallace and the commanding vocals of Baldrick combined with their pummelling rhythm section courtesy of bassist Dan Fulton, and drummer Josh Te Maro. Fast becoming known for not only churning out certified 10/10, arena ready rock bangers, Black Smoke Trigger are also quickly garnering a reputation for creating incendiary and often death defying music videos. 

Their previous single, "Sun Cries Red" followed the success of their earlier singles "K.M.T.L", "Proof of Life" "Perfect Torture" and “The Way Down”, the video for which saw the band perform atop the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere whilst Wallace jumped off the edge, shredding a guitar solo whilst plummeting 630ft and has clocked up over 1.3 million views on YouTube. The release sees Black Smoke Trigger continue to deliver on their promise of high-energy rock music that's both entertaining and deeply relatable.

Prior to this new string of singles, the band put out track “Caught In The Undertow”, the video for which was also a feat of extreme conditions. Filmed at Muriwai beach in Auckland, New Zealand and at a helicopter crash testing facility in a 3.6M deep pool, the whole band performed much of the song underwater creating a stunning visual that has clocked up 3.2 million Youtube views and highlighting the band’s dedication to creating unforgettable visual accompaniments for their hard-hitting rock anthems.

ABOUT BLACK SMOKE TRIGGER 

Black Smoke Trigger are led by Wallace (creator of the hugely successful Guitar Mastery Method) whose insane talent provides everything from delicate melodic motifs to face-melting shred solos and stadium-conquering riffs. They are fronted by incendiary vocalist Baldrick, whose impressive vocal abilities provide that indefinable, timeless rock n roll soul to the Black Smoke Trigger sound. Bassist Dan Fulton, and drummer Josh Te Maro round out the line-up, joining forces to create a powerhouse rhythmic backbone and one of the most bombastic and inventive rhythm sections of recent years. 

With a rapidly growing fanbase, millions of streams, a reputation for raucous live shows and irrepressibly fearless approach to their craft, Black Smoke Trigger are poised to be the biggest and most thrilling entity to come from New Zealand since the Lord of The Rings movies. Just with more rock n roll and less hobbits.

ACCLAIMED DRUMMER PAT GESUALDO FEATURED ALONG ICONIC ROCKSTARS ON CHARITY CD TO HELP BRING FREE MUSIC PROGRAMS TO SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS

Acclaimed Studio/Touring drummer / Author / Clinician Pat Gesualdo has recorded the drum tracks on the Metal Hall of Fame All Stars CD/DVD. The charity project is a release from Deko Entertainment / ada / Warner Music Group, and helps bring free music programs to special needs children in health facilities and community centers. This once in a lifetime collaboration of rockstars is huge news for music fans across the globe!!
 
The Metal Hall of Fame All Star Charity CD features Rudy Sarzo, (Whitesnake), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow), Chris Poland(Megadeth), guitarist Tony MacAlpine, and Chris Impellitteri (Impellitteri), It also features a jam from the Annual Metal Hall of Fame Celebrity Gala that includes Steve Vai (David Lee Roth), Geoff Tate (Formerly Queensryche), guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, Bjorn Englan (Yngwie Malmsteen/Dio Disciples), Chris Poland (Megadeth), and studio/touring drummer Pat Gesualdo. Additional tracks feature outstanding performances by Mike Tirelli (Holy Mother), Mike Orlando(Adrenaline Mob), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and Michael Romeo(Symphony X).

The Metal Hall of Fame All Stars CD/DVD is available as a box set which includes a CD/DVD, a Metal Hall of Fame Key Chain, and limited edition Artwork. The CD is available on all streaming platforms, and directly from Deko Entertainment, www.dekoentertainment.com.

“This is such an amazing project,” says Gesualdo. “Some of the greatest musicians of all time included on these tracks. The purpose of the project is to establish free music programs for special needs children, which helps them function daily.”  

ABOUT PAT GESUALDO
 
Studio/touring drummer/author/clinician Pat Gesualdo has performed and/or recorded with members of various Columbia, Sony, Atlantic, RCA, and Paramount Pictures artists and special projects. He has also performed/record with numerous iconic musicians for the Metal Hall of Fame All Stars CD/DVD, a charity release that brings free music programs to help special needs children.
 
Gesualdo is the pioneer of the "Healing Art of Drum Therapy," and non profit organization D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities). New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Administration, and the New Jersey Education Commissioner, helped Gesualdo launch D.A.D. as a special education program in the communities.
 
Doctors, Psychologists, Neuroscientists, Special Needs Therapists, and Teachers use Gesualdo's pioneering Drum Therapy® techniques in schools, health facilities, and community centers in over 15 Countries. He is invited to lecture and perform at major universities, medical, music, and education conferences on a global level, and his research has been published in numerous media outlets. As one of the top disability experts, He is often asked by lawyers, senators and congressmen throughout the United States to help draft special needs legislation. Gesualdo wrote the first law in the United Sates that helps expand protection for the special needs population, and has overseen some of the highest profile court cases of abuse or neglect of special needs population.
 
Gesualdo is the author of the breakthrough book/CD "Drum Therapy, Healing With the Drumset.” (Alfred Music Publishing), which helps special needs therapists and drummers help their special needs patients and students. He was nominated to Who’s Who In America, performs and lectures in clinics/industry seminars on a global level, and is an artist/clinician for Pro-Mark Drumsticks and Zildjian Cymbals.
 
 

For more information, please contact 973-263-0420, or visit www.metalhalloffame.org, or www.patgesualdo.net

Singer / Songwriter Chris Housman is 'Laid Back' with Pals Brooke Eden and Adam Mac in New Video

Earlier today queer country artist Chris Housman released his latest music video for “Laid Back.” The track, written by Housman along with Emily Kroll and Christian Wood and produced by Wood, is featured on his critically-acclaimed debut album, Blueneck, and offers his take on the classic Country summer song. 
 
Featured recently on “CBS Sunday Morning’s” digital platforms, Housman shares of the track, “I love Country music and feel-good beats, and ‘Laid Back’ encapsulates both of those to me. I wanted to write a song reminiscent of those quintessential drinkin’ and sunnin’ songs you’d have on repeat on the boat on a hot summer day.”
 
The new clip, directed by Ford Fairchild and produced by Rebecca Adler, premiered via YouTube with the out singer/songwriter hosting a live Q&A before sharing the video. Shot at Percy Priest Lake, the video finds Housman and friends, including fellow queer country artists Brooke Eden and Adam Mac, enjoying a day of fishing and fun in the sun. 
 
“Filming the video for ‘Laid Back’ was exactly that…spending the day on the water having a great time with great friends. One of my favorite things to do,” shares Housman. “We borrowed Adam and his fiancé Lee’s boat nicknamed ‘She Ain’t Fancy But She Floats’ - an appropriately named vessel for a song about making the perfect lake day out of a little. I grew up loving Country summer songs, and I hope the video shows that beer, boats and fishing are for queer people too!”
 
Watch “Laid Back” Below. 
 
Called “one of Nashville's most authentically soulful singer-songwriters “ by the Tennessean, the man USA Today declared a “gayme-changer” has brought together both a queer and country sensibility with his debut album that, to many, might seem at odds with one another. Yet backed by a rich six string sound, he delivers a classic twang infused with his Kansas baritone to gently, yet unapologetically, speak his truth at every turn. Listen to Blueneck HERE. 

An NPR All Songs Considered Best Album pick noting, “…he is making beautifully crafted music that any classic country fan would love,” Housman co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album, offering a musical bridge for a divided time. Called “irresistible” by Rolling Stone, with “Good Morning America” praising him for “making waves,” and Billboard hailing him as a beacon for “outcasts in the genre,” Housman’s message is a simple one: “Country music is for everyone.” Given the over 6 million streams and 279,000 online followers for an independent artist, it's clearly a message that the world wants to hear.
 
The native mid-westerner’s country credentials go beyond his music though. He was born and raised in Hanston, Kansas, the epitome of small-town America with a population of just 200. His childhood was rooted in the rural and the conservative, growing up on a farm and living for Country music. “At 7 years old, I loved going to Country jam sessions with my family. I would get mesmerized by this guy Tom, who played fiddle,” recounts Housman, “At Christmas, I got a fiddle from Santa, and I picked it up and ran from there.” 
 
His talent was quickly apparent, and by the age of 8, he was performing with the family band, playing in venues across the state. Over time he would add other strings to his bow, learning to sing, play guitar, upright bass, piano, saxophone, spoons, banjo, and even whistle at a competitive level. 
 
“I played a ton of shows as a kid,” he recalls, “but my relationship with Country changed when I turned 18 and I came out as gay.” He moved to Nashville to attend Belmont on an academic scholarship and stopped playing for some time. “I thought, ‘I can continue to be comfortable and out and gay, or I can do country music, but I definitely can’t do both.’" For a while, that was that. 
 
However, the world of country music never quite let Housman go. After years working behind the scenes doing copyright and licensing for other artists, Housman couldn’t ignore the call of the stage anymore. It was a freak accident that brought him back into the fold. In 2014, Housman broke his neck, a shock to the system that made him realize he hadn’t moved to Nashville to just work on other peoples' music. After a brief stint in a duo, he began writing and performing at colleges across the country solo. 
 
In fact, a number of tracks on his debut album have already been resonating with fans. Title track “Blueneck,” a welcoming homespun manifesto that proudly declares “Y’all means all,” went viral on TikTok taking the burgeoning singer from 72 followers to hundreds of thousands overnight and hit No. 1 on the iTunes country chart, No. 4 on iTunes all-music chart, and peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Digital Country chart.
 
Other previously released tracks like “Bible Belt,” an examination of religious trauma, and the fable-like “Drag Queen,” which celebrates a teacher of the year who goes from Michael to Michelle after hours, continued the dialogue between his genre and his lived experience. The clever wordplay and radio-friendly pop-country sounds made these songs instant hits with his rapidly expanding fanbase and expedited the release of his debut album.  
 
“It feels like my life’s work. The thing I’ve been making since I picked up the fiddle at 7,” Housman effuses “It’s pretty upbeat and positive but it’s also my soul, my truth.” 
 
The album’s recent release for “High Hopes” left Pride.com declaring Housman was “absolutely feeding us this summer” while the video for   “Guilty as Sin” saw its music video premiere in Times Square through CMT with Queerty calling it "defiantly gay." A special moment to be sure for an independent artist. However, for Housman, the greatest gift has been the response from fans. 
 
“I see a lot of people out there who grew up loving country music, but gravitated away from it because they didn’t feel welcome there anymore,” shares the tattooed troubadour. “When those people tell me I helped them finally feel seen in the genre…that’s already living the dream as far as I’m concerned.” 

Housman is one of six participants in this year’s Equal Access Development Program, an intensive artist and management training initiative created by CMT and management company mtheory to support underrepresented voices in country music.
 
For more information, visit ChrisHousman.com and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook@ChrisHousmanMusic and on X @ChrisHousman.

FORMER PRIDE AND FURYON VOCALIST MATT MITCHELL BRINGS HIS MATT MITCHELL AND THE COLDHEARTS TO NORTH AMERICA THROUGH DEKO ENTERTAINMENT

Matt Mitchell has been known as the voice of a few bands before carving out his solo journey under the moniker Matt Mitchell & The Coldhearts. AOR band Pride, Heavy Rock band Furyon, and Blues Rock band Colour Of Noise were all fronted by the British singer. With much praise from UK media Mitchell has received a wide range of print and online press for his new venture. BBC Radio 2 and Planet Rock are amongst the many radio stations that have championed Mitchell’s music.

The debut Coldhearts Album was born when Mitchell and his collective ventured to the iconic Rockfield Studios (Oasis, Bullet for My Valentine, Sepultura, Simple Minds) in Wales where they recorded the album featuring the popular ‘Black Diamonds’ & ‘Home’. Originally released in 2019 it is now getting its proper North American release.

Watch “Black Diamonds” Below:

It became clear that a sophomore album would at some point appear and Mitchell wrote and recorded new music with his band in the shape of Mission. The album was released and landed a place in the Official UK Rock Album Chart top 20! 2024 sees an exciting extended version Mission (Ultimate Edition) featuring 6 extra tracks.

Watch “Mission” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmKZOTyqw-M

Both are now being issued in North America through Deko Entertainment and as Mitchell states about them, “In between bands and projects I’ve always kept writing and recording. Co-writes and exploring different styles had been on going. In 2017 I had the idea to release solo albums under the moniker Matt Mitchell & The Coldhearts and ventured to the iconic Rockfield Studios in Wales and recorded the self-titled debut. A sophomore album soon followed in the shape of ‘Mission’.  Both albums feature riff rockers to ballads and I’m excited to be releasing the albums in North America in 2024.”

Get your copies here: https://bit.ly/MATTMITCHELL

For more information, visit
https://www.mattmitchellmusic.com/
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

Koe Wetzel's '9 Lives' Debuts at No. 5 Country Album, No. 15 All-Genre as 'Damn Near Normal World Tour' Begins

Texan renegade singer-songwriter Koe Wetzel continues his meteoric rise with his latest release, 9 Lives, debuting at No. 15 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart (No. 2 among new releases, behind only the “Twisters” soundtrack), marking Wetzel’s fourth Top 10 entry. With 36,200 in total consumption, 9 Lives surpasses the debut week of his previous album, Hell Paso, which entered at No. 3 with 25,000 units in October 2022.
 
“We’ve been honing and growing a certain sound, and we’re hitting it: it’s what the people have been expecting from me, but we hadn’t gotten there yet,” reflects Wetzel about the album that is resonating with fans in an unprecedented way. “This weekend we saw thousands of people singing the lyrics to every single song from the time we get onto that stage until we were done,” he marvels. “When you see that, you realize what you’re saying means something to people – and that’s more important than anything.”
 
9 Lives also arrives at No. 3 on the Americana/Folk Albums chart and features Wetzel’s first two Hot Country Songs Top 10 hits, “High Road” with Jessie Murph (currently No. 9, having peaked at No. 8) and “Sweet Dreams” (currently No. 19, having peaked at No. 10). Additionally, these tracks are making waves on the Billboard Country Streaming Songs chart, with “High Road” at No. 7 and “Sweet Dreams” at No. 25, having also debuted on at No. 29 and No. 47 respectively on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.
 
“When we made music together, it was all about his heart, being honest with his feelings, and giving it the backdrop of confidence that didn’t feel like he was only being vulnerable, [that he was] also being a badass,” adds producer Gabe Simon in a conversation with American Songwriter about the new album recorded both in Texas and Tennessee. “It needed to be honest but also bulletproof.”
 
That backdrop of confidence was also on full display as Wetzel kicked off his Damn Near Normal World Tour with a sold-out weekend in his home state. Joining Morgan Wallen in performing to more than 50,000 fans on Friday, July 26 at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Wetzel then began his own headlining run in front of nearly 16,000 fans in Houston on Saturday, July 27. Photos from opening weekend of the tour that continues through mid-November are available HERE.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets to upcoming shows, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and Twitter/X @KoeWetzel.

(Credit Trevor Lamb)

About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down: The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. His 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no- holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” and the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” and “Good Die Young” plus the Gold-certified “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has 2.8 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” In 2023 alone, he sold more than 275,000 tickets, and appeared for a third time on POLLSTAR’s Top Worldwide Tours. Wetzel has played prominent festival sets this summer and opened for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour in Texas, while also headlining his own Damn Near Normal World Tour, currently underway. His new album, 9 Lives (Columbia), is available everywhere now as lead single “High Road” with Jessie Murph arrives as his debut Country radio single while also climbing both the Hot AC and Top 40 charts.

UK electro-goth iconoclasts HISTORY OF GUNS presents 'What's Buried (Will Rise)' from new 'Half Light' album

“Invisible hooks that will sink further in” ~  Auxiliary Magazine

 “By far, the most inventive UK band to have got their hands caught in the Industrial threshing machine” ~ Mick Mercer

"Like Killing Joke and Nine Inch Nails, they’ve taken on new forms whilst remaining easily identifiable in their journey from goth rock to post-punk and darkwave to EDM and wider electro-goth hybrid territory. The tension of opposites that characterises much of their work propels it forth to an electronic beat, the vocals uncoiling, snake-like, atop a steady electronic catchment" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

“Polished, dramatic, full of poise and binding sentiment, and one of awesome sound and feeling” ~ Liverpool Sound and Vision


Hertfordshire-based industrial-postpunk legends History Of Guns. who were frontrunners of the UK's Wasp Factory / FuturePunk scene of the early 2000s, present 'What's Buried (Will Rise)'  from their newly-released eighth album 'Half Light'.

On this album, founding members Del Alien (vocals) and Max Rael (keyboards, programming) are joined by guitarist Caden Clarkson (the newest member of History Of Guns) in exploring the human condition through various musical genres. Produced Max Rael, 'Half Light' was mixed by Max Rael and Caden Clarkson, and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Pixies, Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, NIN).

Still crafting their unique meta-modernist Industrial sound 28 years since forming in Cheshunt, the new album (released via the Liquid Len Recording Company) was previewed by the singles 'No Longer Earthbound' and 'When You Don't Matter'. The new single explores the psychological repression experienced by non-conformists and the systematic amnesia that emerges from that, where only specific memories or groups of ideas are withdrawn from recollection.

"How well do we really know ourselves? The “introspection illusion" suggests that the way we view ourselves is probably inherently distorted. In terms of the conscious, the subconscious and the unconscious, how much of how we think and behave is driven by each aspect? Freud & Jung's theories of repression say that the more you try to bury something that happened, or some aspect of your self the more it will come back in some form or other as "the return of the repressed'," says Max Rael.

"As for the video, I've always been obsessed with that kind of high contrast black white look ever since I fell in love with Orson Welles. I was watching the recent adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's Talented Mr Ripley books on Netflix, and there's an episode where Tom and Dicky are out in this little two-man boat. Because the songs on 'Half Light' are aligned to the Greek Elements, I thought it'd be great to have this video in black and white, with shots of submerged objects floating to the surface. We had some help from ace director and VFX supremo Howard Gardner. I think the end result is intriguing, and a bit wrong, but hopefully wrong in a good way!"

The roots of 'Half Light' trace back to electronic tunes they had begun in 2008, surrounding the unpredictability of the future and elements of the novel that Max Rael is currently writing, exploring both inner and outer space. An album in three acts, the first four tracks make up Act One (opening a door), then 'Flashes of Light Pt. 5' walks through that door. Act Two closes with the album's most joyous point - 'Arcadia', with four tracks in the final act.

History Of Guns aims to create a strange alternative world where people can feel safe. This doesn’t mean the album is all joy. It has a lot of darkness in it, like life itself. History Of Guns embrace the dark as well as the light, bleakness and hope, as openly and unironically honestly as possible. Here you'll find songs about mental health, society, addiction, abandonment, different levels of reality and the struggle to keep going. Yet through this darkness, there remains underneath, a core of hope.

Del Alien - an original punk turned goth - is an anti-authority seeker of truth and the questions behind the questions. Max Rael is in love with the idea of using music to create a separate universe for creating stories and escaping into, was an autistic, music-obsessed child, absorbing a dozen genres before diving into trance after Britpop ruined the alternative scene.

History of Guns' 2004 single 'Your Obedient Servant' was championed by The Quietus and Mick Mercer among the “30 best goth singles of all time”. Taking hiatus in 2012, they released the album 'Forever Dying In Your Eyes' in 2022. Influenced by Killing Joke, PWEI, Bauhaus, Coil, Joy Division, Sisters of Mercy, Nine Inch Nails and Swans, History of Guns have played Whitby Gothic Weekend, as well as Futurepunkand Back to the Futurepunk events.

The 'Half Light' album is out now, available from fine music platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

ALBUM CREDITS
Produced by Max Rael
Mixed by Max Rael and Caden Clarkson
Recorded at Apollo Audio (Hertford), Soul Studios (Bishops Stortford)
Mastered by Pete Maher
Del Alien - vocals
Max Rael - keyboards, programming, guitars
Caden Clarkson - guitar
Andy Webster & Marnie from SPUCKTUTE  - vocals on 'Never Give it Up'
Amon Ásentir & Mark Eris from Xykogen - vocals on 'Arcadia'
Arcadia Choir (Emma Mills, Priyanka O’Neill, Sohm O’Neill and Ninotschka G.) - vocals on 'Arcadia'
Nykky Spectre - vocals on 'An Invitation'
Cover artwork by Amara O'Neill
Video by Howard Gardner
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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PIG (a.k.a. Raymond Watts) releases 'Red Room' album via Metropolis Records, announcing North American tour

Raymond Watts a.k.a. PIG has released his new album 'Red Room' on CD and digitally via Metropolis Records and on vinyl via Armalyte Industries, and will be bringing the album to life through the colossal ‘Heroin For The Damned’ tourwith Curse Mackey and Unitcode : Machine. The 40-date itinerary follows a headlining set at Cold Waves XII in Chicago on September 28.

Following the 2022 album ‘The Merciless Light’, ‘Red Room’ is the sound of Watts beating the hammer of hope on the anvil of despair. But, far from being the dying light of decay, this is a spark, an ember and a torch in transition, lighting up the house of PIG before Watts burns it up and blows it down, cutting through yhrscaly rind to PIG's tender heart and soft underbelly.

Earlier, PIG shared the thunderous intro track ‘Crumbs Chaos & Lies’ featuring Alexis Mincolla (3Teeth) with a riveting video by the elusive visionary Ibex, and the lead track ‘Dum Dum Bullet’ with a penetrating video by E Gabriel Edvy for Blackswitch Labs. This anthem features a choir of iconic guests that include Chris Connelly (Revolting Cocks, Ministry), I Ya Toyah, En Esch (KMFDM), Emily Kavanaugh (Night Club), Chris Hall (Stabbing Westward), Burton C Bell (Fear Factory, Ascension of the Watchers) and Marc Heal (Cubanate).

Watts co-wrote much of ‘Red Room’ with Jim Davies of Pitchshifter, best known for his acidic and acerbic guitar lines on many chart hits by The Prodigy. Other guests include Chris Hall (Stabbing Westward), who delivers a soaring vocal performance on ‘The Sick Man's Prayer’, Watts' old KMFDM bandmate Günther Schulz (a.k.a. 'The Czar of Guitar'), who appears on the anthemic ‘Dirty Mercy’, and the great jazz trumpeter Enrico Tomasso (who has worked on and off with Watts for three decades), who brings his deft and delicate touch to ‘PIG Is At The Window’.

'Red Room' album order  https://pigindustries.bandcamp.com/album/red-room
Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/album/0sQy98y0v0ApSR8MnzaMeW
Apple Music  https://music.apple.com/ca/album/red-room/1743960219
'Dum Dum Bullet'  https://youtu.be/eA5y9tiF0Fs
'Crumbs, Chaos & Lies' feat. Alexis Mincolla (3Teeth)  https://youtu.be/HDpuAq9ONKU

Watts has had a stellar career since cutting his teeth in the mid-1980s industrial rock scene as a member of KMFDM. Apart from releasing 14 albums as PIG, he has toured with Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM and Einstürzende Neubauten, written music for fashion and film (Chloe, Marios Schwab, Halston, The Row), and even did sound design for the exhibition 'Punk: Chaos to Couture' at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Watts also collaborated with the late fashion icon Alexander McQueen, who commissioned him (with John Gosling) to embellish the serene instrumental track ‘Inside’ (from PIG's 1999 album ‘Genuine American Monster’) for the soundtrack to ‘Plato’s Atlantis’. The show was reprised after McQueen’s untimely death in as the finale of ‘Savage Beauty', a posthumous retrospective that broke all records at both The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

'Red Room' is out now, available on CD and digitally from fine online platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. On August 23, PIG will also re-release the seminal album 'Sinsation (Remastered)', originally released in the mid-1990s on Trent Reznor's label Nothing Records. 

ALBUM CREDITS
Raymond Watts  
Jim Davies
With: En Esch, Michelle Martinez, Günter Schulz, Chris Hall, Alexis Mincolla, Mike Watts, Enrico Tomasso, Anita Kyoda
The PIG choir: Emily Kavanaugh, Burton C Bell, Chris Connelly, Marc Heal, En Esch, Kanga, Susannah Doyle, Anita Kyoda, Chris Hall, I Ya Toyah, Jim Davies, Mark Alan Griffiths, Mike Watts, Jimmy Livingstone
All songs written by Raymond Watts / Jim Davies, except Tracks  8, 9, 10 (Raymond Watts) and Track 11 (Raymond Watts / Michael Watts)
Produced & mixed by Raymond Watts
Additional production by Jim Davies
Recorded & mixed at Ranch Apocalypse and Otherwise Studios
Additional recordings made in Sydney, Vancouver, Berlin, Los Angeles
Mastering by Tom Hall at Abbey Road
Artwork - Vlad McNeally
Photography – E Gabriel Edvy / Blackswitch Labs
Audio visual consultant - Mark Alan Griffiths
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon at Shameless Promotion PR

TOUR DATES (with Curse Mackey and Unitcode : Machine)
9/28/24: Chicago, IL, @ Metro
9/ 29/24: Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze
9/30/24: Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s Live Music
10/2/24: Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Arcade
10/3/24: Davenport, IA @ Raccoon Motel
10/4/24: Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck
10/5/24: Denver, CO Kulture Music Hall
10/6/24: SLC, UT @ Quarters
10/7/24: Boise, ID @ Visual Arts Collective
10/9/24: Eugene, OR @ John Henry’s
10/10/24: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
10/13/24: Portland, OR @ Dante’s
10/15/24: Sacramento, CA @ Starlit Room
10/16/24: SF, CA @ DNA
10/17/24: San Diego, CA @ Whistle Stop
10/18/24: Las Vegas, NV @ Sinwave
10/19/24: Los Angeles, CA @ Catch One
10/20/24: Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock
10/21/24: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
10/23/24: OK City @ Beer City
10/24/24: Dallas, TX @ Three Links
10/26/24: Austin, TX @ Elysium
10/27/24: New Orleans, LA @ Santos
10/29/24: Pensacola, FL @ Handlebar
10/30/24: Orlando, Fl @ Handlebar
11/1/24: West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectable Street
11/2/24: Jacksonville, FL @ Underbelly
11/3/24: Greenville, SC @ Radio Room
11/5/24: Atlanta, GA @ Star Bar
11/6/24: Richmond, VA @ Fallout
11/7/24: Baltimore, MD @ Metro Baltimore
11/8/24: New York, NY @ STIMULATE
11/10/24: Millersville, PA @ Phantom Power
11/12/24: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
11/13/24: Quebec City, QC @ L’anti Bar
11/14/24: Montreal, QC @ Cabaret Fous
11/15/24: Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
11/16/24: Detroit, MI @ Smalls
11/17/24: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern

TOUR TICKETS  https://linktr.ee/pigtour2024

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RYAN AND RORY’S SELF-TITLED DEBUT EP, AVAILABLE NOW

SiriusXM The Highway’s latest “Highway Find,” Ryan and Rory today release their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP. Joining the ranks of previous “Highway Finds” such as Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett, Parker McCollum, among others, Ryan and Rory’s debut features their buzzy party starter and a nod to the universal heartache band-aid “Pour Decisions.” Released earlier this year, Country Now declared the lively smash a “catchy, post-heartbreak summertime anthem.” Country Swag applauded that “the singer-songwriters are bursting onto the scene with a prime summer-ready song” and are “an act to pay attention to,” while MusicRow boasted that “Ryan and Rory are set to make major waves on the country music scene.” Listen to Ryan and Rory’s self-titled EP HERE. 

Both immersed in music from a young age, Ryan Follesé is a Nashville native, 2X PLATINUM #1 hit singer-songwriter and American Music Award winner. Rory John Zak, from Raleigh, North Carolina, is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has played over 300 shows per year since he was 17. 

“We are so excited for everyone to hear these songs,” says Rory. “Each one was inspired by real-life people and situations we’ve experienced over the last few years. The songs speak to the lives we live, and we hope that they do the same for everyone who loves country music like we do.”

“We see this first batch of songs as our musical mission statement,” says Ryan. “Great country songs are what we are about, and we could not be prouder to start our journey with these six. They are for true country music fans - the greatest fans in the world."

Son of #1 songwriters Adrienne and Keith Follesé (Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride), Ryan co-wrote all six tracks on the debut, including five with his hitmaker family, while Rory added his masterful instrumentals and expertly smooth harmonies to Ryan’s robust lead vocals.

Kickstarting their catalog with a vivacious “Pour Decisions,” the EP exemplifies that vibrant, wide-open spirit with songs like “Drunk and Lonely,” a two-step singalong featuring dirt-floor dancehall vibes and Rory’s honky-tonk piano that would make Brooks & Dunn proud, “This Town,” a celebration of small-town dreams and freedom, and “State I’m In,” a rockin’ tale of regret that comes from chasing a lover across the country, only to find out that the entire passion-led journey was a dead end.

Rounding out the debut, the duo dial in on soul-stirring ballads like “Cowboy Cry,” a woeful she-done-him-wrong classic, and “Thanks Mama,” a song Ryan co-wrote with his dad, brother and sister as a surprise for his mom, whose wise advice narrates the touching track.

Up next, Ryan and Rory will open for Sam Hunt on Friday, August 23 in Memphis, Tenn. at Radians Amphitheater and on Saturday, August 24 in Gary, Indiana at Hard Rock Live. For tickets and tour updates, visit ryanandrorymusic.com.

Produced by Kevin Bard and Nick Zinnanti

*Produced by Dann Huff

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